Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Ricoh GR Digital III Firmware Version 2.10 Update

By

Ricoh has released a new firmware update for its GR Digital III camera.  The new firmware provides the following enhanced functions:

  • Noise reduction performance enhancement
    The MAX setting has been added to the noise reduction settings. When MAX is specified, the image data’s noise distribution is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region of the image, thereby increasing image quality in low-light scenes.
  • Auto bracketing setting change
    When shooting with auto bracketing it is possible to specify exposure variations of up to 2.0 EV. In addition, the change sequence can be specified for each shot.
  • Image trimming
    An image displayed in playback can be trimmed and saved as a separate file. It is also possible to trim an image’s proportions to aspect ratio 1:1 (square).
  • Two “incandescent lamp” settings for white balance
    There used to be just the “incandescent lamp” setting for white balance, but now there are two settings: “incandescent lamp 1” and “incandescent lamp 2.” Compared to “incandescent lamp 1,” “incandescent lamp 2” gives the image a slightly more reddish cast so it is the equivalent of the old “incandescent lamp” setting.
  • Auto shutter speed shift function
    In cases where the image will be overexposed or underexposed when in shutter speed priority mode, if this setting is on, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give a suitable exposure.

Additional information, download and installation instructions are available on Ricoh’s GR Digital III firmware website.

 

Ricoh CX3 Reviews and Resources

By

Ricoh CX3

The Ricoh CX3 is a 10MP point and shoot camera with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 10.7x optical zoom (28-300mm equivalent) and has the ability to capture HD video.  The CX3 should be available in February 2010 at an initial retail price of $399.99.

Ricoh CX3 Availability

Amazon

Adorama

Ricoh CX3 Reviews

Cnet UK

Digicam Review

PhotographyBLOG

Photo Review

Ricoh CX3 Press Release

Ricoh today launched its latest model in the acclaimed CX series of digital compact cameras. With a pedigree of award-winning predecessors, the new CX3 features a host of innovative features, this time including a back-illuminated CMOS sensor to deliver a new level of detail in low light photography.

The essential difference between conventional sensors and the CX3’s improved CMOS sensor is its construction. Using a revolutionary structure to more efficiently capture light coming through the lens, this new sensor greatly increases sensitivity while also reducing noise. When combined with new noise-reducing technology borrowed from the Ricoh GR Digital III, the result is dramatic – beautiful images that have maintained their original resolution, tone characteristics and colour saturation, even at night.

While image quality has been addressed, Ricoh’s commitment to bringing professional photos within reach of the amateur continues with the CX3. A new “scene auto mode” has been added which identifies the image subject and automatically selects the most appropriate scene mode. Whether taking photographs of panoramic landscapes, portraits of the family, action shots at the tennis or getting up close with wildlife, the CX3 takes the guess work and hassle out of mode selection.

Ricoh has also made an effort to increase shooting options with the eagerly-anticipated addition of a 1280 x 720 pixel HD movie function. Adding to its cinematic appeal, the CX3 offers a number of aspect ratios including 16:9 which creates images in a size that delivers maximum impact on a wide-screen television.

Among the other key features, the popular dynamic range double shot mode has been further refined. Using this mode, the camera takes two images with different exposures almost simultaneously, then combines the best exposed parts of each image into a final recorded version. With the introduction of the CX3, photographers are now able to specify the tone range to be given priority – whether it be the highlights or the shadows. Five new settings have also been added to control the dynamic range expansion effect – choose ‘auto’ or four levels ranging from very weak to strong. In scenes which include mixed light, for example, a bright sunlit background with people in the shadowed foreground, images are faithfully recreated with the same detail seen by the naked eye.

The CX3 inherits the 10.7x (28-300 mm equivalent) optical wide-angle zoom lens from its predecessor which, when combined with super-fast continuous shooting speeds of 5 frames per second, user-friendly auto focus (AF) functions which automatically respond to subject movement and scene modes including ‘pets’, ‘high contrast black & white’ and ‘miniaturise’, the photo possibilities are endless.

Available from leading electronics retailers and camera specialists from February 19, the Ricoh CX3 features an inlay handgrip and is available in black, violet and two-tone grey-pink.

Ricoh GXR Reviews and Resources

By

Ricoh GXR

The Ricoh GXR modular camera system is a unique system that pairs lenses and imaging sensors into sealed components, which are interchangeable on the GXR camera body.

The GXR system initially offers a camera body, which is essentially an LCD, controls and a memory card slot. The two initial lens units cover 24-70mm and 50mm, featuring a 10-megapixel CCD 1/1.7-inch sensor and a 12.3-megapixel CMOS 23.6mm x 15.7mm (APS-C size) sensor, respectively.

The GXR body carries an initial retail price of $549.

The GXR A12 50mm lens unit carries an initial retail price of $830.

The GXR S10 24-72mm lens unit carries an initial retail price of $440.

The system should be on store shelves in December 2009.

[Read more…]

Ricoh CX2 Firmware Update – Ver. 1.13

By

Ricoh CX2

Ricoh has released updated firmware for the Ricoh CX2 camera.  The new firmware addresses following issues:

1 With the step zoom ON, there may be rare occasions that the camera power will be off in zoom lever operation.

2 In Manual focus, if you enlarge the center part of the image in the screen, the enlarged part may become black-out rarely.

To get more details and download firmware version 1.13, see Ricoh’s website.

Ricoh GR Digital III Firmware Update

By

Ricoh has updated the firmware of the GR Digital III to version 1.21.  The new firmware addresses the following issues:

1 With the combination of the following conditions, it will not properly appear the image in the position display window that is shown when you playback with enlarged.

– [Auto Rotate] ON

– Rotate the camera to the lengthwise direction

– Playback the picture that was captured in the lengthwise direction and with [3:2] or [1:1] in the image size

2 Set the focus to [MF] (Manual focus) and turn the power off, and then turn the power on again, the focus distance will become infinity.

3 In Manual focus, if you enlarge the center part of the image in the screen, the enlarged part may become black-out rarely.

4 With attaching the GW-2 (wide conversion lens), there may be rare occasions that information on the focus distance in Exif will not be recorded correctly (Correctly, which should be recorded as 21mm; 35 mm filmcameras equivalent).

5 In taking pictures by switching between macro mode and normal mode, the resolution in surrounding parts (four corners) may change.

To get more details and download the firmware, visit Ricoh’s website.

Ricoh GR Digital III Reviews and Resources

By

Ricoh GR Digital III

The Ricoh GR Digital III is a 10-megapixel compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch image sensor.  The GR Digital III features a fixed 28mm equivalent lens with a f/1.9 aperture, as well as a high resolution 920,000 dot LCD.

Ricoh GR Digital III Availability

Amazon.com

Adorama

Ricoh GR Digital III Reviews

Buy-n-Shoot

For its relatively minimal size and weight, the GR Digital III is a fairly comprehensive unit that packs a long list of features and capabilities into a discreet little body capable of delivering quality images across an array of shooting conditions and scenes.

AlphaMountWorld

I’ll gladly give the GRD III compact a 9.5 out of 10 in total.

Ricoh GR Digital III Press Release

Tokyo, Japan, July 27, 2009—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) today announced the development and release of the GR DIGITAL III camera. Successor model to the GR DIGITAL II, it achieves a whole new level of image quality.

Representing the further evolution of concepts introduced with the GR DIGITAL model (October 2005), the GR DIGITAL II (November 2007) achieved superb image quality by packing superior resolution, low noise, and low color aberration performance into a thin, compact body. In the 20 months since its release, it has been very popular with a wide range of customers, especially professional photographers and experienced amateurs.

The new GR DIGITAL III takes the GR line’s traditional high image quality to an even higher level with a new image processing engine, a new CCD, and the newly developed 28 mm/F1.9 GR Lens. Performance has also been enhanced in areas such as quick shooting, operability, and power of expression.

In order to fully respond to the needs of our customers, for the GR DIGITAL III Ricoh will continue to offer the customization services (fine tuning of shutter release button sensitivity, AE/AWB, etc.) that we have provided since the introduction of the GR DIGITAL.

Main features of the GR DIGITAL III

1. Newly developed large-aperture lens.
?The adoption of the new F1.9, f-6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras) lens for the GR DIGITAL III takes compact-body cameras into a new realm of images. This lens makes it possible to shoot with a faster shutter speed than could be used on previous models, or to shoot with the same shutter speed but at a lower setting for ISO sensitivity.
?Despite the large F1.9 aperture, the new lens achieves a resolution level equivalent to that of the F2.4 GR Lens.
?The use of a newly developed lens drive system has made it possible to achieve greater image quality in macro photography.

2. Taking the GR DIGITAL concepts another step forward, the GR DIGITAL III achieves even greater image quality.
?The new image processing engine GR Engine III is installed. Using newly developed noise reduction technology, it enables highly sophisticated noise processing to be done while maintaining superior resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation.
?The new high-sensitivity CCD (1/1.7 inch, approx. 10 megapixels) achieves high-sensitivity properties through the use of a new process. The combination of the newly developed GR Lens and GR Engine III significantly increases shooting performance in low-light scenes.

3. Even faster shooting capabilities for capturing fleeting shutter opportunities.
?Algorithm improvements have reduced focusing time in low-light scenes. With the Pre-AF function, focusing speed is further accelerated by adjusting the focus to match the movement of the subject.
?The new “full-press snap” function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter button.
?Up to five RAW images can be recorded in consecutive shooting* and bracketing.
*When noise reduction is OFF. When it is Weak or Strong, the maximum is four images.

4. Enhanced expression capabilities make good use of GR Lens performance.
?Shutter speed priority AE is now available in addition to aperture priority AE.
?A more extensive range of image settings enables the photographer to control hue and saturation. This makes it easy to create images with a wide variety of coloration.
?When photographing subjects with mixed color temperatures, the multi-pattern auto white balance function makes it possible to achieve optimum color reproduction.

5. Large, high-visibility 3.0-inch VGA LCD monitor.
?The 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor provides high resolution, a wide viewing angle, excellent color reproduction, good visibility outdoors, and a surface that resists soiling. The sRGB comparison for color reproduction range is 100%.
?The micro-thumbnail display function displays 81 thumbnail images on a single screen.

6. Operability further enhanced.
?The My Settings on the mode dial have been expanded to three sets. The number of Fn (function) buttons on the back of the camera body has been expanded to two.
?A function has been added for assigning names to My Settings sets and storing and retrieving them. A maximum of six sets can be defined and stored.

7. Expandability further enhanced with addition of new options.
?The 21 mm wide conversion lens GW-2 and hood and adapter GH-2 will be sold.
?The available soft cases are the GC-3 for the body only and the GC-4 quick-shooting case type compatible with the GV-2 viewfinder.
? There are also plans to introduce the GF-1 external flash, which can handle TTL flash using auxiliary flash, in the autumn of 2009.

8. Function to be expanded using firmware.
? Even after the GR DIGITAL III is introduced, we will continue to add new functions through the release of new firmware. By updating their firmware, GR DIGITAL III owners can continue to utilize the latest functions.

Customization service

(1) Shutter release button adjustment service (suggested retail price: 3,000 yen, consumption tax included: 3,150 yen)
?We fine tune shutter release button sensitivity.

(2) AE/AWB adjustment service (suggested retail price: 4,000 yen, consumption tax included: 4,200 yen)
?For customers with two or more GR DIGITAL III cameras, we fine tune AE/AWB to reduce individual differences.
*It is not possible to adjust differences between a GR DIGITAL III and a GR DIGITAL or GR DIGITAL II model.

(3) Lens name ring replacement service (suggested retail price: 2,000 yen, consumption tax included: 2,100 yen)
?We replace the “GR LENS f=6.0mm 1:1.9” ring on the lens barrel, with one finished all black.
* For customization services, cameras must be brought directly to the Ricoh Ginza Camera Service Center (Ginza), the Digital Camera Service Center (Shin-Yokohama), or the Ricoh Osaka Camera Service Center (Esaka).

GR DIGITAL III Option Table

Product Model
?Hood and adapter GH-2 *1
?Wide conversion lens *2 GW-2 *1
?External TTL flash GF-1 *3
?External viewfinder GV-1
?External mini viewfinder GV-2
?Cable switch CA-1
?Soft case GC-3 *1
?Soft case (GV-2 compatible) GC-4 *1
?Neck strap (GR DIGITAL logo) GS-1
?Neck strap (Ricoh logo) ST-2
?AC adapter AC-4c
?Rechargeable battery DB-65 *1
?Battery charger BJ-6

GR DIGITAL/GR DIGITAL II options GH-1, GW-1, GT-1, GC-1, and GC-2 cannot be used.
*1 Newly introduced option.
*2 Hood and adapter GH-2 is required when using wide conversion lens GW-2.
*3 This option is to go on sale in autumn 2009.

GR DIGITAL III – Major Specifications

No. of Effective Pixels (Camera):
Approximately 10.00 million pixels

Image Sensor:
1/1.7-inch CCD (total pixels: approx. 10.40 million pixels)

Lens:
Focal length: f=6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm ?lm cameras)
F-aperture: F1.9 – F9 (exposure control with both aperture and ND filter when F8.0-F11 displays in auto shooting mode)
Shooting Distance (from the front of the lens): Approx. 30 cm – infinity; Macro (from the front of the lens): Approx. 1 cm – infinity
Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups (aspheric lens: 2 elements and 2 surfaces)

Digital Zoom Magni?cation:
Digital Zoom: Approx. 4.0x; Auto Resize Zoom: Approx. 5.7x (VGA images)

Focus Mode:
Multi AF (CCD method) / Spot AF (CCD method) / Manual Focus / Snap / Infinity (Focus lock and AF auxiliary light available. For Multi AF and Spot AF, full-press snap and pre-AF are possible.)

Shutter Speed: *1
Still image: 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1 – 1/2000 sec. (maximum and minimum shutter speeds vary depending on shooting mode and flash mode)
Movie: 1/30 – 1/2000 sec.

Exposure Control:
Exposure Metering Mode: Multi (256 segments), Centre Weighted Light Metering, Spot Metering (TTL-CCD metering method, AE lock possible)
Exposure Modes: Program shift AE/Aperture priority AE/Shutter priority AE/Manual exposure
Exposure Compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps), Auto Bracket Function (-0.5EV, ±0, +0.5EV / -0.3EV, ±0, +0.3EV)

ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity):
AUTO, AUTO-HI, ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600

White Balance Mode:
AUTO / Multi-Pattern AUTO / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent / Fluorescent / Manual / Detail, White Balance Bracket Function

Flash:
Built-in ?ash mode: Auto (during low light and when the subject is backlit), Red-eye-Reduction, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Manual Flash, Flash Off
Built-in ?ash range: Approx. 20 cm – 3.0 m (ISO Auto)
Flash compensation: +/-2.0EV (1/3EV Steps)
Monitor:
3.0-inch Transparent LCD (approx. 920,000 dots)

Shooting Mode:
Auto Shooting Mode / Program Shift Mode / Aperture Priority Mode / Shutter Speed Priority Mode / Manual Exposure Mode / Scene Modes (Text / Movie / Skew Correction / Dynamic Range Double Shot) / My Settings Mode

Picture Quality Mode: *2
F (Fine) / N (Normal) / RAW (DNG file format) *3
No. of Pixels Recorded:
Still image: [4:3]3648×2736, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1280×960, 640×480
[3:2] 3648×2432 [1:1] 2736×2736
Movie: 640×480, 320×240
Text: 3648×2736, 2048×1536

Recording Media:
SD memory card, SDHC memory card, Internal memory (approx. 88MB)

Storage Capacity (Pictures/Time):*4 (internal memory 88MB)
Still image: 3648×2736 (RAW: 4, F: 22, N: 38) / 3648×2432 (RAW: 5, F: 25, N: 43) / 2736×2736 (RAW: 6, F: 29, N: 50) / 3264×2448 (N: 47) / 2592×1944 (N: 72) / 2048×1536 (N: 109) / 1280×960 (N:175) / 640×480 (N: 705) / Text: 3648×2736 (38), 2048×1536 (109)
Movie*5: 640×480: 30 frames/sec. (51 sec.), 640×480: 15 frames/sec. (1 min. 42 sec.), 320×240: 30 frames/sec. (2 min. 12 sec.), 320×240: 15 frames/sec. (4 min. 19 sec.)

Recording File Format:
Still Image: JPEG (Exif ver. 2.21) *6 , RAW (DNG)
Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format compliant)

Other Major Shooting Functions:
Continuous / S-Cont / M-Cont, Self-Timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / approx. 2 sec.), Interval Timer (shooting interval: 5 sec. – 1 hour (5 sec. steps) *7, Color Bracket function, B&W (TE), Color Space Setting, Noise Reduction, Histogram, Grid Guide, Depth of Field, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe

Other Major Playback Functions:
Auto Rotate, Grid View, Enlarged Display (maximum 16x), Resize

Interface:
USB 2.0 (High-Speed USB) Mini-B, Mass storage*8 / Audio Out 1.0Vp-p (75?)

Video Signal Format:
NTSC, PAL switchable

Power Supply:
Rechargeable Battery: DB-65 (3.7V) x1, AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery x 2, AC adapter (AC-4c option) 3.8V

Battery Consumption: *9
Based on CIPA Standard: Using the DB-65, approx. 370 pictures / Using AAA Dry Alkaline Battery x2, approx. 25 pictures*10

External Dimensions:
108.6 mm (W) x 59.8 mm (H) x 25.5 mm (D) (excluding projecting parts)

Weight:
Approx. 188 g (excluding battery, SD memory card, strap), Accessories approx. 30 g (battery, strap)

Operating Temperature Range:
0ºC-40ºC
*1. Shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on Shooting Mode and Flash Mode.
*2. The picture quality modes which can be set vary depending on the image size.
*3. A JPEG file in Normal 640 or Fine/Normal mode with the same size as the RAW file is recorded at the same time. The DNG file format is a RAW image file format and is the standard format of Adobe Systems.
*4. Estimated number of still images it is possible to record and estimated amount of movie recording time.
*5. The maximum length for one instance of movie recording is 90 minutes or the ?le size upper limit of 4GB.
*6. Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation of the JEITA standard “Design rule for Camera
File system.” (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.)
*7. With ?ash off.
*8. Mass storage driver is compatible with Windows (R) 2000, XP, and Vista; Mac OS9.0-9.2.2 and Mac
OSX10.1.2-10.5.6.
*9. Shooting capacity was measured using CIPA-standard parameters. This is only an estimate, and
performance may vary according to usage conditions.
*10. Using Panasonic AAA alkaline batteries.